It may not feel like boating season yet, but Barry County Sheriff’s Office along with boating safety advocates nationwide, are urging boaters to #KeepYourEdge by enrolling in a boating education course this spring, according to a sheriff’s media release.

 

The sheriff’s office is participating in the national Spring Aboard – Take A Boating Education Course campaign, encouraging boaters to get educated prior to the kick-off of the boating season so they can make the most out of their time on the water.

 

A boating safety course provides critical boating knowledge that anyone who plans to get out on the water should have, and better prepares you for the risks you may face while boating. U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator education was known, 81 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.

 

“Education is the key to having a safe and enjoyable day on the water,” said Sheriff Dar Leaf. “Even though the operator has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the vessel, its crew and passengers, everyone who plans to be onboard should consider taking a boating safety course to prepare for their time on the water.

 

If a boater has taken a boating safety education course the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater. Spring is the perfect time to take a course before the summer boating season begins.”  

 

Those born on or after July 1, 1996 may legally operate a boat only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board.

Those born before July 1, 1996 may legally operate a boat without restrictions.  Those at least 16 years of age and born after Dec. 31, 1978 may legally operate a PWC only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate.  

 

During the week of Spring Aboard, March 17-23, 2019, boaters are encouraged to take a boating education course if they have never taken one before, or to take a course as a refresher in order to prepare for the boating season ahead. Find out about more available courses by visiting www.springboard.org or https://www.boat-ed.com/michigan/#expectation-headline .

 

With today’s wide variety of courses available, from classroom courses to online offerings, there’s a course for every boater and every schedule. //

 

The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to inform boaters about the benefits and necessity of taking a boating education course. In Michigan,

 

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all of the U.S. states and territories.

Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 73.5 million American boaters.

 

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